Phrases & Expressions

A problem-solving technique that asks 'why' five times to find the root cause.

• Using the 5 whys helped us find the issue.
• The 5 whys is a simple but effective method.

A state of general prosperity and well-being for everyone.

• The politician promised a chicken in every pot.
• They dreamed of a time with a chicken in every pot.

Fixing a small problem immediately prevents it from becoming a bigger one later.

• Repair the leak now; a stitch in time saves nine.
• Get that small crack fixed today. A stitch in time saves nine.

To curve your back upwards, like a cat's back when it is scared.

• Arch your back for the yoga pose.
• The cat arched its back and hissed.

To prepare an aircraft door so that the emergency slide will deploy automatically.

• Please arm the door before takeoff.
• The purser reminded the crew to arm the doors before pushback.

At the end of an event or process.

• At the conclusion of the race, the winner was tired.
• At the conclusion of the study, new findings were published.

At the very beginning of a process or event.

• At the outset, the plan seemed simple.
• We agreed at the outset that this was important.

To have a hidden motive or selfish reason for doing something.

• He's always helping, but I think he has an ax to grind.
• She's not just being nice; she has an ax to grind.

A state of forgetfulness and reduced mental clarity often experienced during pregnancy.

• She blamed her baby brain for forgetting the keys.
• Pregnancy has given me baby brain.

To start planning something again because the previous plan failed.

• The design was rejected, so it's back to the drawing board.
• We need to go back to the drawing board to fix this issue.